Omaha to Sioux City
First Council and Floyd's Death

Visiting Omaha offers a fascinating journey through history, particularly for those interested in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, operated by the National Park Service, provides an in-depth look at the explorers’ journey, their interactions with Indigenous nations, and the lasting impact of their expedition.

Just outside, the Lewis and Clark Riverfront Sculpture Garden features striking bronze statues depicting key moments from the expedition, set against the scenic backdrop of the Missouri River. Omaha is also home to the Joslyn Art Museum, a cultural gem featuring an impressive collection of European, American, and Indigenous art, housed in a stunning Art Deco building. Nearby, the Durham Museum, located in the beautifully restored Union Station, showcases Omaha’s rich railroad and immigration history with immersive exhibits and artifacts.

Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, is a small yet historically significant city located in Washington County, just north of Omaha. Rich in history, it is home to Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, the site of the first U.S. Army post west of the Missouri River. Established in 1819, Fort Atkinson played a crucial role in early frontier defense, trade, and diplomacy with Native American tribes. Today, visitors can explore reconstructed buildings, living history demonstrations, and interpretive exhibits that bring the 19th-century fort to life.

The area also holds deep cultural significance as the location of the First Council, where Lewis and Clark met with Otoe and Missouria tribal leaders in 1804 during their expedition. This historic meeting marked one of the earliest recorded diplomatic engagements between the U.S. government and Indigenous nations in the region. A commemorative marker and interpretive signage highlight the site’s importance.

For those interested in learning more about the region’s past, the Washington County Museum in Fort Calhoun offers exhibits on local history, including pioneer life, Native American heritage, and artifacts from Fort Atkinson. The museum provides valuable insights into the people and events that shaped the area’s development.

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge was authorized in 1992 and established in 1997 to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat in and along the Missouri River. At Boyer Chute, the namesake side channel was restored after being blocked in 1937 to aid riverboat navigation. Following restoration, many of the wildlife species that historically utilized the land began to return and flourish in the area. On Boyer Chute visitors enjoy hiking and birding along the nearly 8 miles of hiking trails, hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey in the bottomland forests, and fishing along the restored chute.

One of the more memorable events along this bend was that of the Steamboat Bertrand, which in 1865 was traveling upriver to a mining town in Fort Benton, Montana when it hit a snag and wrecked on what is now refuge grounds. All passengers escaped unharmed but the boat quickly became submerged and eventually buried by the muddy Missouri. The wreck was forgotten until 1968 when two Omaha businessmen, Sam Corbino and Jesse Pursell, located the wreck and led an excavation of its cargo. Today, the refuge’s visitor center is home to the archaeological collection containing over 250,000 artifacts excavated from the buried wreck of the Steamboat Bertrand.

On August 13, 1804, members of The Lewis and Clark expedition visited the Omaha Big Village, also referred to as Ton won tonga. This village, located near present-day Homer, Nebraska, was founded around 1775. At the time, the village was known for its control over all fur trade on the Upper Missouri River, and it operated under the power of Chief Blackbird. The village reached a population of about 1,100 residents, however, in 1800 it was struck by a smallpox epidemic that ended up killing both the Chief and ⅓ of the tribe’s entire population. Expedition members visited shortly after this tragedy, so they did not get to see it at the peak of its existence.

Today, what remains of the village is located on private property. There is a sign detailing the historical significance of the site, remembering the great role that it played in society in its area. Visitors are not able to walk directly up to the site, however it is able to be viewed publicly from a pull off along US-75.

Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to lose his life during the historic journey. The towering obelisk stands on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, a fitting tribute to the young soldier whose legacy endures through his connection to the great American story of exploration and discovery.

Discover Sioux City, Iowa—a vibrant riverfront destination where history and adventure come to life along the path of Lewis and Clark! Nestled along the Missouri River, Sioux City played a pivotal role in the famous 1804 expedition, serving as the site where Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Corps of Discovery to perish on the journey, was laid to rest. Today, you can explore this rich heritage at the Sergeant Floyd Monument, a National Historic Landmark, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, where interactive exhibits bring their incredible journey to life. Beyond history, Sioux City offers a dynamic blend of culture, arts, and scenic beauty, from lively downtown entertainment to serene riverfront trails.

Situated in the picturesque Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska, Ponca State Park is the eastern gateway to the 59-mile section of the Missouri National Recreational River, one of two picturesque, unchannelized stretches of the river bordering Nebraska.

One of Nebraska’s most visited state parks, Ponca State Park is popular for its forested hills, scenic vistas, great wildlife watching, Missouri river access and beautiful and varied lodging options. During the spring months, the wetlands at Ponca State Park are a popular layover spot for many migrating bird species, and the park draws many bird watchers. The park offers many seasonal activities, including guided bird tours during the spring, naturalist events and family activities during the summer